Hypothyroidism, which is diagnosed when the thyroid gland does not output enough thyroid hormone, is usually treated with levothyroxine to help normalize hormone levels, according to MedlinePlus. Symptoms of the disease can include weight gain, depression, joint or muscle pain and constipation. Causes include congenital defects, viral thyroiditis, iodine, radiation and lithium. Patients work closely with their doctors to determine the least amount of medication necessary to bring hormone levels back to normal and must continue to do so in order to maintain them; there are some dietary considerations that should be kept in mind to help prevent any interactions or decreased effectiveness, as diet can also affect thyroid medication.
Iron
Although the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests eating foods rich in iron, supplements containing the mineral can interfere with your body's ability to absorb your hormone medication. Drugs.com recommends taking any iron supplements two to four hours before or after you take your thyroid medication. Be advised that many multivitamins contain iron, so talk to your doctor about any supplements you are taking and how they may affect your thyroid medication.
Soy
It is also suggested that soy and soy-containing products can interfere with thyroid function by sources such as the Mayo Clinic, though research is conflicting. According to a 2006 review of related studies in "Thyroid," there is little clinical evidence to show that soy negatively affects thyroid gland function and that patients with hypothyroidism should not necessarily avoid soy products. However, other studies showed that the soy may interfere with absorption of thyroid medication, thus increasing the necessary dosage for patients. In addition, in vitro and animal studies provide the theory that inadequate iodine intake in individuals who eat soy can lead to development of hypothyroidism.
Iodine
Iodine deficiency can be a cause of hypothyroidism. However, this cause of the condition is rare in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic. Taking iodine supplements and eating foods such as kelp will only improve hypothyroidism if this deficiency is the cause; conversely, too much iodine can cause low thyroid levels, so talk to your doctor before increasing your intake of iodine.
Things to Avoid
Tobacco and alcohol should be avoided and increases in caffeine intake should be discussed with your doctor. Other foods that should be avoided include walnuts, peanuts, spinach, turnips, kale, cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Hypothyroidism: Should I Take Iodine Supplements?
- Drugs.com: Drug Interactions between Multivitamin with Iron and Synthroid
- Thyroid; Effects of Soy Protein and Soybean Isoflavones on Thyroid Function in Healthy Adults and Hypothyroid Patients; Messina M, Redmond G; March 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism
- Mayo Clinic: Hypothyroidism Diet
- MedlinePlus: Hypothyroidism
